Single Idea 23886

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / E. Nature of Metaphysics / 3. Metaphysical Systems]

Full Idea

People believe that every philosopher has a system that contradicts all the others! But there is a tradition, genuinely philosophical, that is as old as humanity itself. …Plato is the most perfect representative of this tradition.

Gist of Idea

Systems are not unique to each philosopher. The platonist tradition is old and continuous

Source

Simone Weil (Reflections on Value [1941], p.33)

Book Reference

Weil,Simone: 'Late Philosophical Writings' [Notre Dame 2015], p.33


A Reaction

I see roughly two traditions. If you believe in transcendence you follow Plato, like Simone. If you are a naturalist (like me) you follow Aristotle. A third tradition might be much more sceptical.